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Saturday, June 24, 2017

Out of Melbourne, Australia comes the amazing band Thee Wylde Oscars. The quartet is featuring Jay Wylde - Rockin' the vox, sweet guitar licks and wailin' blues harp. RogerWylde- Tickling the ivory, secondary crooning. MonkWylde- Laying down the low-end groove, vocal gyrations. GeorgeWylde- Bringing the Mersey beat back. These guys describe themselves as playing "MotherFrigginRocknRoll". They have very recently released their sophomore full length “Rosalita” or “Tales of Treachery & The Nefarious Deeds of The Scurrilous Resurrection Men” depending if you purchase the CD or the vinyl! If you are into Pretty Things, early Rolling Stones, The Sonics, delivered with loads of Stax soul in the voice, this is going to be right up your alley.This blog had a very interesting chat with Jay Wylde:1) Jay, you are no newcomer to the Rock’n’roll scene. Personally I first discovered you in 1992 with the release of one of the best records of the decade, The Hoods – Gangsters and Morticians. After that I kinda lost your track till you resurfaced in 2010 in Australia, fronting Thee Wylde Oscars. Can you tell the viewers of this blog your full story and in particular what happened for you between those 2 seminal bands?

I quit The Hoods in the mid-90’s after several singles, an LP, an EP and a tour, I felt we had gone as far as we could. They were great guys, but I wanted to do something new - something harder - a more MC5, Radio Birdman, mid-70’s punk vibe. I wasn’t bored with the 60’s sound, but I wanted to expand and broaden it.

What drives my love for the music of the 1950’s through 1970’s is the the punk attitude; it is the thread that binds all and is the common element. Truthfully I really don’t find all that much difference between Little Richard and the MC5. The instrumentation, yes, but the rebellion and the primitive drive is the same to me. It shows more interest in rocking the audience than in technically fuck-all brilliance. To me style trumps substance all the time. I’d much rather hear Johnny Thunders fuck up a lead than hear Joe Satriani play “dwiddle, dwiddle”. It’s great when you get a guy like Jimmy Page being able to do both.

Mike Stax and John Chilson from The Hoods joined me at a later point as soon as I found a couple of guitar players to form The Evil Eyes. It was everything I dug at the time and was a fine band. Hard wall-of-sound dual guitars, a mixture of 70’s Detroit rock and energy with a 60’s garage punk feel. The Evil Eyes released a single and toured, but the band was too unstable, breaking up after only a 1 year.

I found myself wanting to keep with the current sound I was in so I started Mach Five (which became Mach Five Overdrive). I got Xavier Anaya from the Hoods to join, as well as drummer Baba Chenelle (of the Zeros). The lasted about 5 years with a rotating group of drummers, guitarists and bass players (including Hector Penalosa of the Zeros and Dave James of the SuperBees at one time). We released 2 singles (once as Mach 5, and then as Mach 5 Overdrive).

After the band broke up, I felt I needed a lifestyle change and I moved to Melbourne, Australia with my wife in 2000. Melbourne has a thriving music scene, and I was keen to start fresh. I had been asked to start a group with some guys from Shutdown 66. That group was The Cheapshots (2000-2003). We played 60’s Garage and R'n'B, a lot like what I was doing with my first band, The Trebels (1981-1990). I also started a 1977 punk influenced band fronted by my wife, Mirella Doll, called The Devil Dolls, which became my main band. I didn’t want to be a frontman/singer for once and became a rhythm guitar player.

After a couple of records and the birth of a baby, The Devil Dolls called it quits. In 2009 I got the itch to start a band again and formed Thee Wylde Oscars. No real intention to start something, but found some guys who really wanted to play - and they dug the 60’s garage stuff - and we hit it off. I drew off of set-lists from previous bands and started to write in earnest. We released a couple of records and did a tour of Germany and Spain. In 2012, our bass player lost his Australian visa and had to move back to Japan and the guitarist moved back to Perth, Australia. I found some new guys to form the nucleus of the reformed group (with the addition of a piano/keyboardist and me as a lead guitarist) and decided to go back to where I started from as a base to build on; 50’s and 60’s R&B - which is where we are now...

2) One thing that got me puzzled : why are the CD versions and the vinyl versions of Thee Wylde Oscars releases so different? (Different sleeve, different tracklisting, different name of the release, different songs) Is this the band’s choice or the record company’s choice?

It was the choice of the Labels to do different versions on the first LP and CD. The labels wanted different songs from the ones we recorded. In the end, I liked doing it that way because we always had more songs than for one release, and I liked the way there used to be different versions of a band’s albums in different countries. We decided to do the same for these releases.

3) About the latest release, “Tales of Treachery & The Nefarious Deeds of The Scurrilous Resurrection Men” (vinyl) or “Rosalita” (CD), what can you tell about the recording process? Was this a live in the studio recording or a track by track recording with lots of overdubs?

We recorded the whole thing live, except for the vocals. What you hear is basically what came out as we recorded the thing - mistakes and all. I like to keep it fresh in the recording studio, with few takes - two at most, if possible. Too many takes and a band can sound stiff - you start playing it safe. It’s better without the safety net - and cheaper! I’m not too fussed with getting it perfect, just as long as you get the feel. The raw instrument tracks were done in about 8 hours and did the vocals later. I had only been playing lead guitar for about 6 months at that point and didn’t want to lose focus with having to sing and all.

4) To what kind of music did you listen to as a teenager and does it still influence your today work? What was your favorite band as a teenager? Name 3 bands that you consider still have a influence on your own work today.

When I was in my early teens I was into heavier bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult and 60’s bands like the Doors. Led Zeppelin led me to the Yardbirds, which led me to the Animals, which really opened up my world to other bands of that era and is the reason I learned to play a blues harp - and I was the odd kid at my school - the one that liked Manfred Mann more than Foreigner. Punk bands like The Ramones, The Jam and Devo was also a huge influence on me.

When I joined the Trebels (and became part of the San Diego Mod scene) I was introduced to an even more broad spectrum of music from the post-war blues to East LA Chicano rock to obscure British R&B. Bands like The Crawdaddys playing really cool stuff live - and good! It was a great time and it felt like we were a part of something bigger than ourselves. We were purposefully blocking out the commercial shit music that was coming out in the 80's. I will always consider Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry a constant influence. Same with the Animals, Larry Williams, Johnny Guitar Watson, Little Richard, Gene Vincent, Arthur Alexander, Elvis, Buck Owens, Johnny Cash...It’s hard to nail down because I dig a lot of stuff.

5) Are you the main composer in the band or is everybody involved in one way or another?

I write most of the material, mainly because I enjoy doing it. The other guys help with the arrangement at times, but it’s not their thing. If they (or I) got ideas it’s gotta go through the band grinder. We’ll usually play it, and if it sounds like something could come out of it we’ll push it further. Some stuff ends up being good, most doesn’t.

6) Do you have a video on youtube featuring a track from the latest release?

We are actually in the process of doing a video for “Rosalita” right now. It’s gonna be in the style of a silent movie, kinda like the style of Georges Méliès, if we can pull it off. We will probably shoot another at the same time, it's DIY filming at it's best.

7) What can concert goers expect at a Wylde Oscars gig? Are you playing any famous cover songs?

You can expect a lot of jumping around, pounding, screaming and sweating - and that’s the audience! We put alot into getting people dancing. We don’t do “the hits”, you know, the songs we’ve all heard a zillion times and I refuse to play "Johnny be Good". We try to do more obscure numbers. Often we do three 1-hour sets...which is a bit of material. More familiar stuff is: “I can Tell”, “Can’t Judge a Book”, “Hey Mama, Keep your big mouth Shut” by Bo Diddley; “Justine” and “Farmer John” by Don & Dewey, “Big Bad Wolf” and “Lookin’ Back” by Johnny Guitar Watson, “Talkin’ Bout You” and “Nadine” by Chuck Berry.

8) When you perform with Thee Wylde Oscars, does it happen that you play an impromptu version of a song from one of your previous bands?

Thee Wylde Oscars used to do “It’s Inside”, a Hoods song (but never recorded with them). But that’s about it. I’m not too nostalgic when it comes to my music. We’ve got plenty of stuff in our current catalogue to keep us busy, and I’m always in the process of writing new material.

9) What are the plans for 2017 as far as Thee Wylde Oscars are concerned? Are you guys coming to Europe soon?

We’d love to do another European tour! We’d be looking at 2018 or so, although playing the SXSW has been on my “must do” list. US doesn’t pay that well unfortunately, so it’s a toss up. Last time we played Europe we had a GREAT booking agency (Muttis), and we made out alright. They were so cool. Frankly, it really comes down to money, and whether we lose a little or lose a lot - and I’m quite cheap! Got any ideas ? We’re welcome to advice about where and when and who.

10) Anything you would like to say to the viewers of this blog?

Keep on a rockin’! AND Thanks Eric for your interest in the band. G’day Mate!

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Prix - HistorixIn FLAC -Scans are included1.Girl2.She Might Look My Way3.Love You Tonight4.Love You All Day Long5.Zero6.Every Time I Close My Eyes7.Take Me Home & Make Me Like It8.Run Run Runaway9.Follow You10.Free Again11.All Of The Time12.Love You Tonight (Saturday's Gone) (Alt. version)13.Love You All Day Long (Alt. version)14.Everytime I Close My Eyes (Alt. version)15.Ordinary Life (Bonus Track)

Prix are a legendary lost band, a power pop supergroup of sorts that fell into the cracks between album rock and the emerging new wave in the mid-'70s. Fronted by Jon Tiven and Tommy Hoehn, the band was mostly a studio-based project featuring other Memphis popsters such as bassist Rick Clark, and featuring contributions and productions by former Big Star co-leaders Chris Bell and Alex Chilton, and studio mavericks Jim Dickinson and Richard Rosebrough.

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

GENTLEMEN'S AGREEMENTS - Understanding! In FLAC - Scans are includedHere Are The GAOne Fine DayI Take What I WantI Wanna KnowSock It To MeI'm On PillsBuzz SawCalimity JaneSwimLucky StarThere's No Place For Lonely PeopleEden Rose

French groovy organ driven garage supergroup. Do I need to say more? You so gonna love this!

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Eccentric Pop Records recently released "Lost and Lovin' It", the latest full length from Kepi Ghoulie.The man is best known for his years fronting the pop-punk outfit The Groovie Ghoulies and his solo albums have rambled from acoustic tunes to songs for kids to jangling folk-rock to uptempo poppy punk. His new solo record is mixing all those various styles together, the new tunes being delivered in Kepi's unmissable style and filled with the open-hearted attitude that makes him such a beloved figure to his fans. As in the glory days of The Groovie Ghoulies this new record in laden with hooky sing along songs soon to be classics in their own right. Though it touches on many sounds and styles, Lost and Lovin' It! holds together well thanks to the warm heart beating away at the center. This is definitely Kepi's best solo album so far, showing that the man is more than ever on top of his game. It doesn't matter if you've been a Ghoulies fans since the late '80s or have never heard of him before; if you like sweet, catchy songs sung by a real live human being with a heart as big as an ocean, Lost and Lovin' It! is right down your alley!The glammy rendition of "Inkpot", where Kepi is backed by the always amazing PRIMA DONNA, is worth alone the price of admission.So this blog seized the opportunity to have a little chat with Kepi.

1) Kepi you are certainly no newcomer to the Rock'n'roll scene. We would like you to tell the viewers of this blog your full story. The early days in The Groovie Ghoulies, The Haints episode and stepping into the light as a solo artist.We want to hear it all from you!
That could fill a book! I will be happy to answer any single question that you may have! Thanks! :)

2) You are born Jeffrey Willson Alexander. So How did you get your nickname "Kepi"?
That is not quite my birth name but everybody calls me kepi now anyway! I am not sure of the origin now it has been so long! :)

3) About the new record "Lost & Lovin' It", can you explain the choice of the title and how came the idea of the artwork and the map included? Is the artwork and the map the work of the same artist?
The title "Lost and Lovin' It" just sort of came to me... isn't it kind of like celebrating the path that you are on at any given time! Doing your best! There are a lot of nautical themed songs so the art work (and map) (finding your way) seemed appropriate! All the art was done by the AMAZING TOM NEELY!

4) To what kind of music did you listen to as a teenager and does it still influence your today work? What was your favorite band as a teenager? Name 3 bands that you consider still have a influence on your own work today.
The bands that I listened to as a teenager that still influence me today include the Ramones, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Neil Young! It is cool that 4 out of 5 of them are STILL GOING!!! :)

5) As a songwriter, what are your favorite topics to write about? It seems to me there a very positive vibe coming out of this new record. In a certain way this positive vibe reminds me the work of Jonathan Richman. Are you familiar with this artist and do you agree with this comparison?
Thank you! That is a great complement! Perhaps the best! Jonathan Richman is unique and original, positive and endearing... I feel it is my job to contribute a bit of positivity to this crazy world! I love playing by my own, or no, rules! I wish to be an ARTIST! :) Thank you!

6) Do you have a video on youtube featuring a track from the latest LP?
There are two videos on Youtube: "The Anchor Song" and "Lost and Lovin' It!" Thank you! Enjoy! More to come :)

7) What can concert goers expect at a Kepi Ghoulie these days? Will it be you alone with an acoustic guitar or with a full band? Are you playing any famous cover songs like Shocking Blue "Inkpot" ?
Every show is different! Solo! Band! Backing tracks! I haven't played INKPOT live yet but plan on playing it live in October in San Francisco backed by Prima Donna! They are also the ones who back me on it on the record!!!

8) Is the new record still the work of a solo artist or was it recorded "live" in the studio with a full band? Can you tell us on Which song the guys of PRIMA DONNA are playing?
the record was recorded solo, with a band, and also guest tracks sent in from Berlin, Florida, and more! I love this record!! Prima Donna IS the band on INKPOT!!!

9) What are the plans for 2017? Are you coming to Europe soon?
maybe Europe next year, let's hope!!!

10) Anything you would like to say to the viewers of this blog?
thanks to your readers! Please check out this record! It was a year in the making labor of love! I think it worked because apparently it is the most streamed recording that I have ever made! Thank you!!!

Duncan Reid and the Big Heads - "Bombs Away"

BABY SHAKES - Turn it Up

Tales of Treachery & The Nefarious Deeds of The Scurrilous Resurrection Men

Click on the cover to buy

Kepi Ghoulie - Lost And Lovin' It!

Click on the cover to buy

Los Pepes - Los Pepes For Everyone

Click on the cover to buy

THE ROLE MODELS - "Forest Lawn"

Click on the cover to buy

Juvie - You ain't gonna Rock and Roll no more

Click on the cover to BUY

SEVEN LONG YEARS - Love me now and hate me later

Click on the cover to buy a LOSSLESS version

The BACKSEAT ANGELS : Saturday Night Shakes

click on the cover to buy!

Thee MARTIAN BOYFRIENDS! BACK FROM PLANET FUZZZZZ

I've been ranting about these little green men with a huge organ for months, now it's time for you to go and buy this stuff. This is simply the best 60's garage band ever. And remember where you read it first! NO HUMAN WILL GET OUT ALIVE....